Smooth-jazz saxophonist Pamela Williams’ latest outing, The Perfect Love (Shanachie), can best be described as lyrical and upbeat, with more than a dash of zest. Three tracks on the album were composed or cowritten by Williams’ labelmate, saxophonist Kim Waters, including the bright, smooth “Unconditional” and “A Bee Charmer.” Keyboardist Kevin Toney cowrote a track called “Twin Souls,” although he doesn’t play on it-saxophonist David Mann does the keyboard honors, and he doubles Williams’ sax melody, which shifts from spiky and staccato to smooth and haunting. Williams certainly knows how to put a charge into a tune, and she gets funky over a dance groove on “Got Me Wrapped Around Your Finger,” and she infuses her rousing, horn-punctuated version of Prince’s “Sexy MF” with plenty of spice. The Perfect Love is a solid outing that will both brighten your day and get you moving.
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